Create Your Own Unit Study + Autumn Unit Study Ideas
Expand your little one's interests and create themed unit studies on your own with these resources.
Since my daughter was little, seeing her interests expand, develop, and change has been amazing. I remember the surprise on Great Aunt Sue’s face when she asked what Elodie liked to read about (at 4 years old) and she enthusiastically answered, “marine biology!”
Hi there! 👋🏻 I’m Makayla, a wife and homeschooling mom from Pennsylvania. In this publication, you’ll find a growing archive of resources for parents wanting a rich home education for their children. If you’re interested in this topic, check out the full archive here and consider subscribing for weekly posts.
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We have loved reading books on every topic she’s interested in and exploring as much as she wants. This led to her learning about marine biology, national parks, bugs, African animals, doctors and medical personnel, gardening and harvesting, home building, veterinarians, cooking, butterflies vs. moths, and more - all before we started formal “school.”
As a homeschool parent, you have the unique privilege to notice your child’s desires and make space for them. Whether learning is already a conscious part of your day or you’re wondering, “How can I get my child interested in learning,” I want to share how unit studies can foster relationship and discovery.
Answer their questions, together
Last year, an entire summer of studying pond life came from pointing to algae and asking what it was. We explored together, learned new information, and had FUN. That one question led to learning about water bugs, pond habitats, water plants, how algae forms, toad and frog life cycles, and fish, to name a few.
I know there are plenty of ready-to-go unit studies on Etsy. I love the artwork and detail that goes into Twig and Moth’s unit studies. You may choose a unit study lovingly curated by someone else or a combination of things you’ve gathered that your child will enjoy but attention to their interests and making space for exploration speaks volumes to your child.
Bring it all together
Here’s how I put together a last-minute unit study for ponds when my daughter asked about algae. All said and done I spent about $50 and had everything ready in two weeks. It lasted us all summer and was such a rewarding study.
I researched (a simple Google search) and chose some lovely living books about ponds, water bugs, and water animals. We ended up with a collection of 8 books that we used during our study and still enjoy throughout the spring and summer (listed at the end of this post).
I found one short and affordable pond study on Etsy and we used about half of the book. It included coloring pages and some field note pages that we enjoyed!
I purchased a grow-your-own-algae kit and to be completely honest, we still haven’t used it and it’s in my basement.. these things happen. Simple is best.
We went outside in search of ponds and aquatic life! We observed toads, water spiders, water boatmen, ducks, cat tails, algae, minnows, fish, turtles, lily pads, etc. My daughter can still identify toad eggs and tadpoles and loves to see water spiders bouncing on the top of the water.
We love, love, LOVE the Peaceful Press. For the unit study, I took advantage of their Freshwater Guide, a 4-week program that solidified what she was exploring.
Ideas for Autumn Unit Studies
With autumn approaching (my favorite time of year), I want to leave you with a few ideas you can dive into if your child has shown interest and wants to spend more time in these areas. I love combining nature aspects with things that happen in the home to create a full experience.
Nature
the changing leaves/evergreens
plants that flower in autumn
bugs that don’t live through winter
how certain animals prepare for winter
produce that is ready for harvest in autumn + trip to a farm or farmers market
how to build a fire + outdoor dinner
how animals and humans create shelter to prepare for cold weather
seeds and fruit that drop in autumn
In the Home
preserving: dipping leaves in wax, canning apple butter, freezing pumpkin puree, vegetables that can be stored through winter safely, canning tomato sauce/salsa
cooking: squash soup (delicata and pumpkin go well together), bread, stew, lasagna, chicken pot pie, apple pie/butter/sauce/cobbler/cider, tea, gingerbread cookies, simmer pot with apple, cranberry, orange, cinnamon, and clove.
making: knitting, sewing, wood discs made into checker pieces with sewn “checkerboard,” cleaning and decluttering to prepare for the cozy season, beeswax candles, autumn landscape watercolor
You know your child best, so trust your gut when following their interests and choosing materials to make their learning fun! Below are the books I purchased for our pond study last year, for those interested.
[books mentioned]
Over and Under the Pond by Kate Messner
Have You Seen My Duckling? by Nancy Tafuri
Song of the Waterboatmen and Other Pond Poems by Joyce Sidman
Butternut Hollow Pond by Brian J. Heinz
Beyond the Pond by Joseph Kuefler
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